Pennsylvania Town Council Votes to Block New Data Centers

On June 22, the council of a Pennsylvania town voted 6‑0 to reject proposed zoning changes that would have permitted data‑center development. More than 100 residents spoke at the meeting, and over 350 citizens attended, citing concerns about excessive water and electricity use and environmental impact. County officials later affirmed the decision, also denying the data‑center applications.

Separately, Pennsylvania’s two U.S. senators, Democrat John Fetterman and Republican Dave McCormick, announced that the state will sponsor a booth at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., after ten governors, including Democrat Josh Shapiro, declined to set up a state exhibit. The senators said the booth will showcase Pennsylvania’s businesses and heritage.